Pipe valve control and method of use

ABSTRACT

The present invention applies to flowing wells. Within a flowing well, production tubing moves fluid upward under immense pressures and is greatly exposed to damage, either accidental, or intentional. Recently, there is increased concern in protecting our production wells from damage, either natural or man-made. The present invention is designed to address the problems of controlling hydrocarbon, and fluid flow, through production tubing after the production tubing is compromised by penetration or severance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application61/787,184 filed Mar. 15, 2013, which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present invention applies to flowing fluid wells. Within a flowingwell, production tubing moves fluid upward under immense pressures andis greatly exposed to damage, either accidental, or intentional.Recently, there is increased concern in protecting our production wellsfrom damage, either natural or man-made. The present invention isdesigned to address the problems of controlling hydrocarbon, and fluidflow, through production tubing after the production tubing iscompromised by penetration or severance.

SUMMARY

In many embodiments of the valve design for the present invention, thepresent invention is placed, and/or utilized between vertical lengths ofproduction tubing located below the water body, or between verticallengths of production tubing in a ground based well below the ChristmasTree (i.e. within the borehole.)

In one embodiment, the present invention includes the use of an internalcontrol valve located between vertical lengths of production tubingbelow the water body, or ground well. In one embodiment, the presentinvention includes the use of an internal control valve positionedbetween segments of production tubing located below the water body (theborehole), or ground well, and activated by exposure of a valve'scontrol parts to the surrounding hydrostatic pressure above the waterbody, or ground well. In one embodiment of the present invention thepresent invention utilizes the weight of the production tubing betweenthe valve and the point of severance to force the valve closed. In oneembodiment, the present invention the present invention uses an externalcontrol valve. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a valvesystem which combines the internal and external method of control offluid flow.

In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an internal controlvalve activated by a change in the rate and/or pressure of upward flowof the hydrocarbon. In one embodiment, the present invention envisionsthe use of an external control valve activated by exposure of thevalve's control parts to the surrounding hydrostatic pressure above thewater body. In several embodiments of the present invention it isenvisioned to use the weight of the production tubing between the valveand the point of severance to force the valve closed. In one embodiment,the present invention envisions the use of an external control valveactivated by the severance of a supporting medium for an activatingweight. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a valve systemwhich combines any two or more of the above methods of external and/orinternal control of fluid flow.

Generally, the present inventive device functions to allow for thestoppage of fluid flow through a pipe or tubular. One of the novelaspects of the present invention is that it utilizes manual andhydrostatic pressures to regulate the flow of a fluid and can bere-operated through a decrease, or change, in these pressures and/orflow rates. The advantage that the invention provides is that it is areusable valve that can be reactivated with minimal expenditure of timeor resources.

In some aspects of the present invention, the present invention islocated some distance (possibly 200 or 300 feet) below the sea floor,and within the borehole (i.e. bore hole), and therefore is lesssusceptible to attack or compromise than valves located above the seafloor. It is envisioned that there may be multiple valves utilized inthe present inventive system. It is also envisioned that the presentinvention can be utilized in multiple fluid flow applications outside ofhydrocarbons. Many other novel advantages will be further disclosed inthe detailed description of the invention.

Some of the general principles behind the operation of the presentinventions may include, without limitation, the following: the rate offlow of fluids and/or hydrocarbons through the valve, the exposure ofsome of the valve parts to the hydrostatic pressure that exists where anembodiment of the present invention is located, which could be: a) nearor around production tubing at or below the sea floor or b) near and/orsurrounding all tubulars below any penetration or severance point of theproduction tubing below which an embodiment of the present invention islocated, or c) between segments of production tubing below the seafloor. The weight of the remaining production tubing above the valve,which will cause activation of the valve when the supporting productiontubing overlying the valve is severed. Severance of the mechanism ofsupport for an external part of the valve control system, and wherebysaid valve is closed. A system wherein more than one valve, eachactivated by different functionalities that, are located within theborehole: thereby creating a backup.

In several embodiments of the present invention, the present inventioncomprises a flow control valve located between segments of productiontubing within the borehole (i.e. bore hole) and somewhere below the seafloor, of a flowing oil and/or gas well, and wherein said location saidvalve is relatively secure from wanton or accidental destruction and theresulting uncontrolled and disastrous upward flow of hydrocarbonresulting from such destruction, and wherein said borehole, said valvecan be closed automatically by some functionality not requiring surfacecontrol. In several embodiments of the present invention, the presentinvention, comprises a valve body, wherein said valve further comprisingan internal sliding piston, said sliding piston having at least oneperforation in its side, and further comprising a first and lowersealing surface, and said valve body containing a second and uppersealing element, whereby sufficiently increased upward flowing pressurewithin the production tubing below said valve makes the piston slideupward so the first sealing element engages the second sealing element,thereby closing the valve.

In several embodiments of the present invention, in said borehole saidvalve is activated to close by the severance of the overlying productiontubing attached to and supporting, said valve. Several embodiments ofthe present invention, comprise a control valve in which the severancewill transfer the weight of any remaining overlying production tubingattached to the upper sliding unit of the upper valve which has a lowersealing surface, and whereby said lower sealing surface will descend toengage the upper sealing surface of the lower valve unit, and wherebysaid valve is closed, and the upward flow of hydrocarbon is stopped. Inseveral embodiments of the present invention, the opening and closing ofsaid valve can be checked without raising the valve to the surface.

In several embodiments of the present the borehole of said valve isactivated to close by some mechanism including the severance of themechanism of support for a moving part of a valve assembly. In severalembodiments of the present invention, the present invention furthercomprises an upper sliding piston in mechanical communication with theoverlying and attached production tubing, said upper sliding pistonhaving a base probe projecting downward, said valve further comprising alower sealing unit with an exposed upper trigger unit, whereby severanceof the production tubing somewhere above or below the sea floor willresult in the removal of support for the production tubing overlying theupper sliding piston and thereby force the sliding piston downward,whereby said probe on the base of the upper sliding piston will contactand depress the underlying trigger on the lower sealing unit, andthereby activate the valve to close. In several embodiments of thepresent invention, in the control valve of many of the embodiments, whenthe valve is closed, restoration or replacement of the support of thesevered production tubing accompanied by sufficiently increased fluidpressure above the valve, will make the piston slide downward so thatthe lower sealing element disengages from the uppermost sealing element,therein reopening the valve.

In several embodiments of the present invention, the valve is modifiedso as when the flowing well is drilled on land and the valve isactivated to close by the severance of the production tubing somewhereabove or below ground level. In several embodiments of the presentinvention, the valve can be reopened by some mechanism includingtemporarily reversing the flow of hydrocarbon above said valve todownward after the severed tubing is replaced. In several embodiments ofthe present invention, the present invention comprises a control valvelocated between segments of production tubing within the borehole (i.e.bore hole) of a flowing oil and or gas well, and whereby severance ofsaid surrounding production tubing and/or a pressure chamber or pressuretube attached to said pressure chamber or valve assembly, will exposethe control mechanism of said valve to that high hydrostatic pressureexisting, around the riser of said well between sea level and the seafloor, and thereby close said valve. In several embodiments of thepresent invention, the control valve further comprises a pressurechamber in fluid communication with the control valve, a fluid lineattached to said pressure chamber wherein; fluid pumped into thepressure chamber through the fluid line causes the piston to slide sothe first sealing element engages the second sealing element.

In several embodiments of the present invention, a valve is locatedwithin the borehole of a flowing oil and/or gas well between segments ofproduction tubing, and wherein said borehole said valve is activated toclose by the severance of a supporting mechanism for a moveable part ofsaid valve assembly. In several embodiments of the present invention, isa control system comprising; multiple valves which can be attached andlocated between units of the production tubing within the borehole. Inseveral embodiments of the present invention, the present inventioncontains a control system comprising two or more of the valves. Inseveral embodiments of the present invention, the flow control valvesfurther contain no springs. In some wells flow sulfurous (sour) gasexists which can crystallize springs, and thereby subject them tobreakage. If the springs could be eliminated, then the valve could bedesigned so that the flowing pressure or flow rate alone would besufficient to close it. This would be most appropriate for wellscontaining “sour” (sulfurous) gas which tends to crystallize springs,and whereby they break.

In several embodiments of the present invention, there is a flow controlvalve located between segments of production tubing within a boreholebelow a solid surface of a flowing oil and/or gas well, and wherein saidflow control valve can be closed automatically through hydrostaticpressure change, or flow rate and not requiring surface control. Inseveral embodiments of the present invention, the flow control valvefurther comprises; a valve body; said valve body further comprising anupper and lower portion said valve body further comprising an internalsliding piston, said sliding piston having at least one perforation inits side; said sliding piston further comprising a first and lowersealing surface; said valve body containing a second and upper sealingelement; whereby sufficiently increased upward flowing pressure of afluid within a production tubing below said valve makes said pistonslide upward so the first sealing element engages the second sealingelement, thereby closing said valve body. In several embodiments of thepresent invention, the flow control valve further comprises; saidborehole of said flow control valve is activated to close by theseverance of a production tubing attached to and supporting said flowcontrol valve. In several embodiments of the present invention, the flowcontrol valve further comprises; overlying production tubing; saidseverance will transfer the weight of any remaining overlying productiontubing of said production tube attached to the upper portion of saidvalve body which has a lower sealing surface, and whereby said lowersealing surface will descend to engage said upper sealing surface ofsaid flow control valve body, and whereby said flow control valve isclosed, and the upward flow of hydrocarbon is stopped. In severalembodiments of the present invention, the flow control valve furthercomprises; within said borehole the opening and closing of said flowcontrol valve can be verified without raising the valve to the surfacedue fluid flow rate and/or termination by a determination of flow rateabove ground. In several embodiments of the present invention, the flowcontrol valve further comprises; a valve assembly; wherein said boreholesaid valve is activated to close by the severance of the support for amoving part of a valve assembly. In several embodiments of the presentinvention, the flow control valve further comprises; a water body; anupper sliding piston in mechanical communication with the overlying andmechanically attached to said production tubing; said upper slidingpiston having a base probe projecting downward; said valve furthercomprising a lower sealing unit with an exposed upper trigger unit;whereby severance of the production tubing somewhere above or below saidwater body will result in the removal of support for the productiontubing overlying the upper sliding piston and thereby force the slidingpiston downward; whereby a probe on the base of the upper sliding pistonwill contact and depress the underlying trigger on the lower sealingunit, and thereby activate the valve to close. In several embodiments ofthe present invention, the flow control valve further comprises; adevice wherein sufficiently increased fluid pressure above the valvebody, will make said sliding piston slide downward so that the lowersealing element disengages from the uppermost sealing element, thereinreopening the valve. In several embodiments of the present invention,the flow control valve further comprises a device wherein the flowingwell is drilled on land and the fluid control valve is activated toclose by the severance of the production tubing somewhere above or belowground level. In several embodiments of the present invention, the flowcontrol valve further comprises a device wherein the valve can bereopened by temporarily reversing the flow of hydrocarbon above saidvalve body to downward after said severed production tubing is replaced.In several embodiments of the present invention, the flow control valvefurther comprises; a control valve located between segments ofproduction tubing within a borehole of a flowing oil and or gas well,under a water body and whereby severance of a pressure chamber and/orpressure tube attached to said pressure chamber or valve assembly, willexpose the valve to that high hydrostatic pressure existing, around theriser of said well between sea level and the water body, and therebyclosing said valve. In several embodiments of the present invention, theflow control valve further comprises; a pressure chamber in fluidcommunication with said control valve, a fluid line attached to saidpressure chamber wherein; fluid pumped into the pressure chamber throughthe fluid line causes the piston to slide so a first sealing elementengages a second sealing element. In several embodiments of the presentinvention, the flow control valve further comprises; a production tubingfor fluid; a valve located between segments of said production tubing;said valve further comprising a sliding piston; said sliding pistonfurther comprising a first sealing surface and a second sealing element;whereby increased rate of flow in the pipe below the valve makes thepiston slide upward so the first sealing element engages the secondsealing element therein closing the valve. In several embodiments of thepresent invention, the flow control valve further comprises; a slidingpiston which comprises a pawl. In several embodiments of the presentinvention, the flow control valve further comprises; a pressure chamberin fluid communication with said control valve; a fluid line attached tosaid pressure chamber; wherein fluid pumped into the pressure chamberthrough the fluid line causes the piston to slide so the first sealingelement engages the second sealing element. In several embodiments ofthe present invention, the flow control valve further comprises;multiple valves can be located between the production tubing segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionsto be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describingspecific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 a illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with open flow;

FIG. 1 b illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with closed flow;

FIG. 2 a illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with open flow;

FIG. 2 b illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with closed flow;

FIG. 3 a illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with fluid flow blocked;

FIG. 3 b illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with upward fluid flow;

FIG. 4 a illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with open flow;

FIG. 4 b illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with closed flow

FIG. 5 a illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with open flow; and

FIG. 5 b illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view with closed flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the inventiondisclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created arevolutionary and novel pipe valve control and method of use.

In the following description, certain details are set forth such asspecific quantities, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, itwill be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the presentdisclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In manycases, details concerning such considerations and the like have beenomitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a completeunderstanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills ofpersons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that theillustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsof the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawingsare not necessarily to scale and arrangements of specific units in thedrawings can vary.

While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those ofordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that whennot explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting ameaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. Incases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless oressentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster'sDictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretationsshould not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, orpublications, related or not, unless specifically stated in thisspecification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintainingvalidity. “Christmas Tree” as defined herein includes an oil-wellcontrol device consisting of an assembly of fittings placed at the topof the well.

One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the inventiondisclosed herein are presented below. Applicants have created arevolutionary and novel pipe valve control. In many preferredembodiments of the present invention it is preferable to place theinventive valve within a borehole at some distance below the sea floor,or surface of a ground well. In many embodiments of the presentinvention, several different embodiments of the invention maybe usedbetween segments of the production tubing to increase the redundancy andbackup systems. In some embodiments of the present invention it isenvisioned that control parts might be miniaturized and placed withinthe inventive valve body itself. In several embodiments of the presentinvention, it is envisioned that the inventive valve may be reopened byreversing the fluid flow and pressure in production tubing, therebypreventing actual removal of the inventive valve and allowing theinventive valve to be reused. The internal control valve, and allcomponent parts, are preferably composed of materials as used in normaldrilling operations for drilling, drill strings, and/or well bores.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of thepresent inventive valve 1000 in open position. FIG. 1 b illustrates across sectional view of one embodiment of the present inventive valve1000 in closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 1 a there is an internalcontrol valve 12. In this embodiment of the present invention, theinternal control valve 12, activates to close when the upward rate offluid flow 4 exceeds the predetermined rate. This rate may varydepending on wellbore size, flow rate and other factors and should bedetermined in advance of application of the present inventive device.The present inventive device, in all embodiments, may be comprised ofvarious sized, shapes and weights for component parts so as to achievedesired, and predetermined flow rates with fluid flow applications.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the valve closure of thepresent inventive valve 1000 is governed, in part by the weight (andport opening 3), of the sliding piston 2. Sliding piston 2 is preferablydesigned so that when fluid flow 4 is at a normal, predetermined weight,sliding piston 2 will be of sufficient mass to be in the open position.It should be noted that various predetermined flow rates can beestablished and utilized in several applications of the presentinvention. Sliding piston 2 is preferably designed to fit within theupper sealing surface 10 and between the production tubing 14 and 16.Sliding piston 2 is also preferably constructed with multiple flow portopening(s) 3. The flow ports or openings 3 can be constructed of varyingsizes and diameters based upon the pre-established flow rate parameters.

It is envisioned that the internal control valve 12 is attached to theproduction tubing in the manner known in the art for such attachmentswith production tubing to allow for the flow, or stoppage of flow offluids through the internal control valve. It is for this reason thatthe present inventive device can be constructed in variable sizes, andweights so as to accommodate various sizes, tolerances, and requirementsof drill string utilized in the industry. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the internal control valve 12, activates to closewhen the upward rate of fluid flow 4 exceeds the predetermined rate andthe valve closure is governed in part by the weight of the slidingpiston 2. Though not shown, it is possible to lower the effective weightof the sliding piston 2 by including a hollow flotation chamber with thesealing base 7. It should be noted that various predetermined flow ratescan be established and utilized in several applications of the presentinvention. It should be noted, that the present invention maybeconstructed so as to tolerate the corrosive effects of many types offluids that may flow through the present inventive device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the internal control valve 12, ispreferably located between segments of production tubing 14 and 16, andpreferably somewhere below the sea floor, although in severalembodiments of the present invention, it can be located below thesurface of a ground well. The internal control valve 12 preferablycontains a downward facing upper sealing surface 10, which is internaland part of the valve wall 1. The valve wall 1, in this embodiment,contains, and is located adjacent to, a sliding piston 2, having sideports 3, through which hydrocarbon can flow upward 4, or downward 5, asliding piston 2 having a sealing base 7, having a lower and upwardfacing sealing surface 8, and a piston flange stop 6 which limits thedownward movement of the sliding piston 2. In this embodiment of theinvention, the internal control valve 12, is preferably located betweensegments of production tubing 14 and 16 preferably somewhere below thesea floor. In several embodiments, the internal control valve 12preferably contains an upper sealing surface 10 which is internal andpart of the valve wall 1. The valve wall 1 in this embodiment is locatedadjacent to a sliding piston 2, but not in mechanical communicationswith valve wall 1. In the present embodiment of the present invention,the sliding piston 2 which has side ports 3, through which hydrocarboncan flow upward flow 4, or downward 5, a sliding piston sealing base 8,having a sealing surface 9, and a piston flange stop 6 which limits thedownward movement of the sliding piston 2. It is envisioned that theindividual components of the present invention can be in a variety ofshapes, including the ones disclosed in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, the fluid flow through internal control valve 12takes place automatically, but when the lifting power of the upward rateof flow of hydrocarbon flow 4 exceed a calculated and established upwardflow rate, and thereby causes the sealing base 7 to move upward, wherebythe surface 8 of the sealing base 7 engages the sealing surface 10inside the sliding piston 2 and thereby closes the valve to any upwardflow 4 of hydrocarbons. The rate of the flow can be varied withoutremoving the valve from the borehole. Under extreme circumstance(including partial penetration of the production tubing) the closing ofsaid internal control valve 12 could be achieved by the operatorsevering the production tubing 14 somewhere above the mud line.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the opening and closing abilityof the flow 4 is also affected by the size of the piston port openings 3and the weight of the sliding piston 2. The factors are easily variable;in particular the weight within the sliding piston 2 (such as by ballbearings dropped down the annulus of the production tubing). Suchweights could be removed by techniques currently known in the art toaccommodate various pressure applications and parameters.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, closing the internal control valve 12 takes placeautomatically when the lifting power of the upward rate of flow ofhydrocarbon flow 4 exceeds a calculated and established upward flowrate, and thereby causes the sliding piston 2 to move upward, wherebythe upward facing sealing surface 8 of the sliding piston sealing base 7engages the downward facing sealing surface 10 inside the internalcontrol valve 12 and thereby closes the internal control valve 12 to anyupward flow 28 of hydrocarbons. The normal rate of flow can be variedwithout removing the valve from the borehole, by using a flow meter anda normal ball valve inserted between joints of the production orcollection tubing on the rig floor, as is known in the art. Underextreme circumstance (including partial penetration of the productiontubing) the closing of said internal control valve 12 could be achievedby the operator severing the production tubing 14 somewhere above thesea floor (mud line).

FIG. 2 a illustrates another embodiment of the invention 1010 with anexternal control valve mechanism 30 with open flow. FIG. 2 b illustratesanother embodiment of the invention 1010 with an external control valvemechanism 30 with closed flow. In this embodiment of the invention thecontrol valve mechanism 30 within the riser 34 activates when thehydrostatic pressure surrounding the riser 34 and above the sea floor(or in some embodiments surface of a ground well) 48, infiltrates thecontrol tubular 32 adjacent to the production tubing 35, as when thetubular 32 is compromised by penetration or severance. FIG. 2 b. In sucha case, the resulting exposure of the pressure chamber 52 and thesliding piston 36, in the valve activating mechanism 30, to the immensehydrostatic pressure of the invading seawater will cause the teeth 38 ofthe sliding piston 36 to rise while engaging the teeth 40 of the ratchetwheel 45 which is connected to the rotating ball 43 in the ball valve42. At this point the ball 43 will rotate within the socket 44 andthereby close and prevent the upward flow 46 of well hydrocarbons. Theratching of the ball valve 42 is in a fashion known in the art.

When hydrostatic pressure at, or above, the sea floor (or in someembodiments surface of a ground well) 48 is lessened or removed, as andwhen the tubular pneumatic fluid line tubular 32 is repaired orreplaced, then the ball 43 can rotate to open and restore the upwardhydrocarbon flow 46, and hydrocarbon flow can resume. It is envisionedthat in various permutations of the present inventive device, the pistonw/pawl 36 and ball valve 42 can be of varying geometrical and solidshapes as would be known in the art to form a sealing mechanism.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that ahydrostatic or pneumatic fluid line 54 could be attached to the controlvalve mechanism 30 by which fluid could be pumped into the pressurechamber 52. In such situations pressure in the pressure chamber 52 canbe controlled by an external user causing the piston 36 to be actuatedby which the ratcheted teeth 40 could be raised or lowered causing theball valve 42 to engage or disengage the socket 44. The raising, orlowering of the ball valve 42 would be actuated by decreases orincreased in fluid pressure in the pressure chamber 52. Hence,increasing pressure would cause the increased fluid to push up thepiston 36.

In several embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 aand 2 b it is envisioned that the valve aspect of the present inventioncan be controlled externally, from the exposure to hydrostatic pressureexisting at or near the seabed floor, automatically, when the riser andpneumatic fluid line are penetrated or severed. It is also envisionedthat the external control parts could be miniaturized and containedwithin the invention 1010. In one such embodiment of the presentinvention, it is envisioned that a hydrostatic or pneumatic fluid line54 could be attached to the control valve activating assembly mechanism30 by which fluid could be pumped into the pressure tube or chamber 52.In such situations pressure in the pressure chamber 52 can be controlledfrom the surface causing the piston 36 to be actuated by which itsratcheted teeth 40 could be raised or lowered causing the ball valve 42to engage or disengage the socket 44. Such actuation of the piston 36would be enabled in the same manner as actuations of piston throughfluid lines as is known in the art. The raising, or lowering of the ballvalve 42 would be actuated by decreases or increases in fluid pressurein the pressure chamber 52.

Hence it is envisioned, and disclosed, that, in several embodiments, thevalve aspect of the present invention can be controlled externally bypressure increase from the surface, or automatically by hydrostaticpressures when the pneumatic fluid line tubular 32 is penetrated orsevered, and whereby the interior of the line and the pressure chamber52 are exposed to the high hydrostatic pressure surrounding theproduction tubing somewhere below sea level and above the sea floor. Itis also envisioned that the external control parts could be miniaturizedand contained within the valve body.

FIG. 3 a illustrates another embodiment of the present invention 1020 inpartial cross sectional view in open flow state. FIG. 3 b illustratesanother embodiment of the present invention 1020 in partial crosssectional view in closed flow state. As illustrated in FIG. 3 b, theinvention is in closed state, in which the valve 70 is activated by thedepressing weight of production tubing 60 a above the valve 70 whenproduction tubing 60 a above the valve 70 is severed or broken and thevalve head 74 is engaged with the socket 76. Valve stop upper valve 71is located above the valve head 74. The floor 73 is also illustrated inthis embodiment.

As illustrated, the embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 a and 3 b, operates as follows: Fluid 72 usually flows upwardthrough the valve 70 on the path indicated. FIG. 3 a. The productiontubing 60 a is supported and attached to additional production tubingunits above it when the well is flowing. In the event that theproduction tubing 60 b is severed, then it is envisioned in the presentinvention that that weight of the higher production tubing 60 a willpush downward on the valve 70 causing the valve head 74 to drop and toengage with socket 76 therein preventing the upward flow of additionalfluids 72. Although illustrated is a plunger type valve, other valveconfigurations such as a ratchet and pawl can be utilized in the presentinvention instead of a plunger type valve as illustrated in FIGS. 3 aand 3 b.

As shown in FIG. 3 a, in order to open the valve 70, the productiontubing 60 a is lifted in an upward fashion, thereby lifting the valvehead 74 and removing it from the socket 76. The lifting can be done in amanner known in the art for lifting production tubing. Not shown is anexternal and vertical tongue and groove, or similar mechanism as used inthe art, between the upper valve 71 and the lower valve unit, and whosepurpose would be to keep the two parts of the valve from rotatingseparately. As used herein, “tongue and groove” means a joint formed byinserting part of one surface material into a recessed area of a secondsurface. This joint design offers excellent stress resistance. Inseveral embodiments of the present invent the tongue can move verticallywithin the groove, but not rotate about the groove. This would mean thatwhen the upper valve 71 is rotated then valve 70 would rotate in thesame manner.

FIG. 4 a shows another embodiment of the present invention in crosssectional view in open format. FIG. 4 b shows another embodiment of thepresent invention in cross sectional view in closed format. One of theadvantages as shown in FIG. 4 b is that the valve 1040 will stay closedafter overlying support is reestablished and the valve 1040 is drawn tothe surface. It thereby eliminates any necessity to “kill the well flow”(by heavy mud injection) in order to pull the valve and replace it. Inthis embodiment, the valve 1040 can be reopened by reversing the fluidflow, temporarily to downward from upward. As shown in FIG. 4 a, fluid201 usually flows upward through the lower valve assembly 202 that isslideably attached to the upper valve 203. The upper valve 203 isnormally attached to the production tubing 204, and the hydrocarbonfluid 201 usually flows along the path indicated. See FIG. 4 a.

The upper valve 203 is supported by many segments of production tubing204 between it and the surface. In the event that the higher productiontubing 204 is severed, it is envisioned in the present invention thatthe tremendous weight of the remaining and higher production tubing 204,attached to and above the upper valve 203, will push downward on theupper valve 203. The upper valve 203 will then descend, thereby causingthe downward pointing valve head probe 205 to engage with and depressthe trigger unit 206 and its attached upper cam 207. Thereby theattached upper cam 207 forces sideways the sliding piston roller 208 andits attached sliding piston pin 209 which is connected to a shear 210.The sideways motion of the sliding piston roller 208 and the slidingpiston pin 209 thereby removes the shear 210 from the shear notch 211 inthe sliding piston 212. As a result, the valve mainspring 213 and theupward flow of fluid 214 below the sliding piston base 217 force theupward facing surfaces 215 and 216 of the sliding piston sealing base217 to engage in a sealing manner with the downward facing sealingsurfaces 218 and 219 of the internal valve wall assembly 202 and wherebythe upward flow of fluid 201 and 214 is terminated.

As shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, lifting the production tubing 204attached to the upper valve 203 will raise the upper valve 203, therebyremoving the upper valve probe 205 from the trigger unit 206. Induceddownward flow 220 will push downward on the sliding piston base 217 andthereby lowering the sliding piston 212. In conjunction with thisaction, the trigger unit 206 is forced upward by the trigger spring 221until it is stopped by the horizontal spring 222. This upward movementforces the lower cam 223 upward until it engages and forces the slidingpiston roller 208, along with the sliding piston pin 209, sideways whichforces the shear 210 back into the shear notch 211 in the sliding piston212. The sliding piston 212 is then locked in a down (open) positionwhen the downward flow 220 is ceased. When the sliding piston 212 islocked, and the downward flow 220 is stopped, the upward flow of fluid201 and 214 can recommence.

The following will describe closing, reopening and replacement of theweight activated valve 1040 as per FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. In view of FIGS. 4a and 4 b, fluid 201 usually flows upward through the lower valveassembly 202 that is slideably attached to the valve 203. The valve 203is normally attached to the production tubing 204, and the fluid 201usually flows along the path indicated. See FIG. 4 a. The valve 203 isnormally attached and supported by segments of production tubing 204above it. In the event that the higher production tubing 204 is severed,it is envisioned, in the present invention that the tremendous weight ofthe remaining and higher production tubing 204, attached to and abovethe valve head assembly 202, will push downward on the valve headassembly 202. Valve head assembly 202 will then descend, thereby causingthe downward pointing valve head probe 205 to engage with and depressthe trigger unit 206 and its attached upper cam 207. At this point, theattached upper cam 207 forces sideways the sliding piston roller 208 andits attached sliding piston pin 209 which it is connected to. Thesideways motion of the sliding roller pin 208 thereby removing the shear210 from the shear notch 211 in the sliding piston 212. As a result, thevalve mainspring 213 and the upward flow of fluid 214 below the valveassembly 202 force the upward facing surfaces 215 and 216 of the slidingpiston sealing base 217 to engage in a sealing manner with the downwardfacing sealing surfaces 218 and 219 of the internal valve 203 andwhereby the upward flow of fluid 201 and 214 is terminated.

A benefit of one embodiment of the present invention is that when thevalve has been closed because of severance of the production tubing, ifdesirable it can be opened in place after reconnection of the productiontubing by reversing the flow (as described above). If it is necessary toretrieve the valve to the surface, and the flow is not reversed, thevalve will remain closed while the valve clears the rig floor.

If it is necessary to replace the valve, in one embodiment of theinvention, a closed system can be maintained by placing a standard ballvalve (open) below the described inventive valve before the inventivevalve is initially lowered in the borehole. When this standard ballvalve clears the rig floor, it can be closed manually. As described inthis manner, the inventive valve can be replaced without any danger ofexposure to upward fluid flow through the production tubing and thestandard ball valve. As described herein, the inventive valve can alsobe tested in place in the borehole without and danger of exposure ordestruction.

FIG. 5 a shows one embodiment of the present invention in partial crosssectional view in open flow. FIG. 5 b shows one embodiment of thepresent invention in partial cross sectional view in closed flow. Asshown in FIG. 5 in one embodiment of the present invention 1050 thevalve 300 is activated to close by a weighted assembly 302 positionedabove the valve 300 when the line or cable or support mechanism 304supporting the weighted assembly 302 is severed or broken. It isenvisioned that the line or cable or support mechanism 304 can be anysupportive mechanism as is known in the art.

As shown, this embodiment of the present invention operates as follows:Fluid 306 usually flows through the valve 300 along the upward path asshown. A weighted assembly 302 is supported by a line, cable or othersupport mechanism 304, attached to the production tubing 308 orsomewhere on the rig floor. In the event that the support mechanism 304is severed or broken, it is envisioned, in the present invention thatthe weighted assembly 302 will move downward, thereby causing the teeth310 of the pawl 312. This movement in the weighted assembly 302 causesit to engage with the teeth of the ratchet 314 thereby rotating the ballin the socket of the ball valve 316 and preventing upward flow of fluids306. In order to open the valve of this embodiment, the weightedassembly 302 must be lifted in an upward fashion and reattached to itsoriginal or an additional support unit of the production tubing 308 orrig floor.

It must be understood that in extreme emergencies the operator of theproduction tube and the valve of the present invention can always havethe option of deciding to sever at the mud line, any and all, tubing orsupporting lines necessary to close any of these valves. This isfundamental for all valves and embodiments associated with thisinvention. It is envisioned that in one or more of the embodiments ofthe present invention there can be multiple valves as described hereinfor increased safety and efficacy.

Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. Itwill be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art thatvarious modifications can be made without materially departing from thenovel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, theembodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to beunderstood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.

I claim:
 1. A flow control valve located between segments of productiontubing within a borehole below a sea floor of a flowing oil and/or gaswell, and wherein said flow control valve can be closed automaticallythrough hydrostatic pressure change, severance of the production tubingabove a mudline, or flow rate and not requiring surface control.
 2. Theflow control valve of claim 1 further comprising; A valve body; saidvalve body further comprising an upper and lower portion; said valvebody further comprising an internal sliding piston; said sliding pistonhaving at least one perforation in its side; said sliding piston furthercomprising a first and lower sealing surface; said valve body containinga second and upper sealing element; whereby sufficiently increasedupward rate of flow of a fluid within a production tubing below saidvalve makes said piston slide upward so the first sealing elementengages the second sealing element, thereby closing said valve body. 3.The flow control valve of claim 1 further comprising; said borehole ofsaid flow control valve is activated to close by the severance of aproduction tubing attached to and supporting said flow control valve. 4.The flow control valve of claim 3 further comprising; overlyingproduction tubing; said severance will transfer the weight of anyremaining overlying production tubing of said production tubing attachedto the upper portion of said valve body which has a lower sealingsurface, and whereby said lower sealing surface will descend to engagesaid upper sealing surface of said lower flow control valve body, andwhereby said flow control valve is closed, and the upward flow ofhydrocarbon is stopped.
 5. The flow control valve of claim 4 furthercomprising; Within said borehole the opening and closing of said flowcontrol valve can be verified without raising the valve to the surfacedue to fluid flow rate and/or termination by a determination of flowrate above ground.
 6. The flow control valve of claim 1 furthercomprising; A valve assembly wherein said borehole said valve isactivated to close by the severance of the support for a moving part ofa valve assembly.
 7. The flow control valve of claim 3 furthercomprising; an upper sliding piston in mechanical communication with theoverlying and mechanically attached to said production tubing; saidupper sliding piston having a base probe projecting downward; said valvefurther comprising a lower sealing unit with an exposed upper triggerunit; whereby severance of the production tubing somewhere above orbelow said water body will result in the removal of support for theproduction tubing overlying the upper sliding piston and thereby forcethe sliding piston downward; whereby a probe on the base of the uppersliding piston will contact and depress the underlying trigger on thelower sealing unit, and thereby activate the valve to close.
 8. Thefluid control valve of claim 7 further comprising; wherein the upwardmovement of the probe accompanied by sufficiently increased fluidpressure above the valve body, will make said sliding piston slidedownward so that the lower sealing element disengages from the uppermostsealing element, therein reopening the valve.
 9. The fluid control valveof claim 8 further comprising; wherein the flowing well is drilled onland and the fluid control valve is activated to close by the severanceof the production tubing somewhere above or below ground level.
 10. Thefluid control valve in claim 9 and wherein the valve can be reopenedtemporarily by reversing the flow of hydrocarbon above said valve bodyto downward after said severed production tubing is replaced.
 11. Acontrol valve located between segments of production tubing within aborehole of a flowing oil and or gas well, under a water body andwhereby severance of a pressure chamber and/or pressure tube attached tosaid pressure chamber or valve assembly, and penetration of a riser orof a surrounding tubing will expose the valve to that high hydrostaticpressure existing, around the riser of said well between sea level andthe water body, and thereby closing said valve.
 12. The control valve ofclaim 11 further comprising; a pressure chamber in fluid communicationwith said control valve, a fluid line attached to said pressure chamberwherein; fluid pumped into the pressure chamber through the fluid linecauses the piston to slide so a first sealing element engages a secondsealing element.
 13. A control valve for a pipe and/or production tubingcomprising; A production tubing for fluid; A valve located betweensegments of said production tubing and below a water body floor; Saidvalve further comprising a sliding piston; Said sliding piston furthercomprising a first sealing surface and a second sealing element; wherebyincreased rate of flow in the pipe below the valve makes the pistonslide upward so the first sealing element engages the second sealingelement therein closing the valve.
 14. The control valve of claim 13further comprising: said sliding piston further comprises a pawl. 15.The control valve of claim 13 further comprising; a pressure chamber influid communication with said control valve; a fluid line attached tosaid pressure chamber; wherein fluid pumped into the pressure chamberthrough the fluid line causes the piston to slide so the first sealingelement engages the second sealing element.
 16. The control valve ofclaim 13 further comprising; multiple valves which can be locatedbetween the production tubing segments.
 17. A flow control valve locatedbetween segments of production tubing within a borehole below a seafloor of a flowing oil and gas well, and wherein said flow control valvecan be closed automatically by the severance of an external lineal unitwhich supports a sliding weight unit external to said production tubingand whereby the lowering of said weight unit activates said valve toclose.